The US House of Representatives backed legislation to keep sanctions on companies including Rusal, the world's largest aluminium producer outside China, but the Trump administration is expected to lift them as soon as Friday.

Major stock indexes rose worldwide, with Wall Street set for a fourth week of gains, boosted by optimism that the trade conflict between the United States and China may come to an end.

Nickel gained 2.0 percent to close at $US11,820, the highest since November 7, aluminium finished 0.7 per cent firmer at $US1,870, lead climbed 1.8 per cent to $US1,998 and tin, untraded in closing rings, was bid up 0.1 per cent to $US20,600.